The Detroit City Council honored WSU Police Chief Anthony Holt during its formal session May 17 in recognition of National Police Week.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Collin Rose, a 29-year-old K-9 handler, was the first WSU police officer to die in the line of duty when he was shot Nov. 22, 2016, at Lincoln and Brainard while investigating thefts from vehicles in the area. He died the next day from his injuries.

“More than five years after losing Collin, our department still deeply feels his loss on a daily basis,” said Holt. “We lost a great officer that day, and an even better man. He will never be forgotten.”

The resolution recognizing Holt cites his expertise and accomplishments over a career that began 45 years ago. A graduate of Wayne State University, he joined the WSUPD as a police officer in 1977, rising through the ranks to become sergeant, lieutenant, captain and chief of police.

Holt is responsible for the safety and security of the university, and under his leadership, the WSUPD has implemented the use of body cameras on all 70 officers; worked with Wayne State’s Center for Urban Studies on reducing crime through the CompStat program; and established the headquarters for the National De-escalation Training Center.

Memorial gifts made in honor of Rose support training and equipment needs for the WSUPD.